SR0141 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0141 LRB096 11959 GRL 23474 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John Verbais of Alton, who passed away on March 2, 2009; and

WHEREAS, John Verbais was born on Sept. 9, 1918 in Girard; his parents were the late John and Louise (Draksler) Verbais; he lived his early life in Springfield before moving to the Alton area; he married Frances Kathleen Burnett, who passed away in 1973; he later married Claudine Clarida, who preceded him in death in 1996; and

WHEREAS, John Verbais served his country as a member of the United States Navy, serving during World War II and the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, John Verbais retired as an employee of Illinois Bell Telephone Company in 1980 after 40 years of service; he served as a manager at the Central Office of network operations in Alton; and

WHEREAS, John Verbais enjoyed spending time with family and friends; he also enjoyed his membership with several community organizations, such as the Alton American Legion Post 126, Alton Eagle Lodge 254, Wood River Moose Lodge 1349, and Bethalto Knights of Columbus Council 4688; he was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 1308; and

WHEREAS, John Verbais was a past president of the Telephone Pioneers of America; he was a former member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church; and

WHEREAS, John Verbais was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; and his sister, Louise Egger; and

WHEREAS, John Verbais is survived by his daughter and son-in law, Sharon and Terry Jansen; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Denise Verbais; his grandchildren and spouses, Todd and Ashley Jansen, Brian and Sammy Jansen, Sean and Brandi Jansen, Melissa and Matt O'Connor, Chad and Sarah Verbais, and Daron and Joan Verbais; his great-grandchildren, Haley, Logan, Taylor, and Braydon Jansen; Miranda, Dalton, and Gracie Graves; Alex Spies and Madison Jansen; Keegan O'Connor and Tyler Verbais; Vincent, Davis, and Knox Verbais, Scott Hinko; and Mary and Tom Verbais; his sister, Helen Davsko; his brother, Henry R. Verbais; his many nieces and nephews; and his long-time companion, Millie Breden; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn, along with his family and friends, the passing of John Verbais; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of John Verbais as an expression of our sympathy.